While the shutdown is on DO NOT hike alone in Hot Springs National Park plus avoid evening hours. Every time the government is shutdown a certain element from the city moves in to sell drugs, poach, steal wood and vandalize. Rangers are not even driving the roads and the trails are abandoned. They have turned off all the mineral water fountains so you will have to bring your own.

Take a friend… my hiking buddy (beloved husband) is 6’3″ and always has my back while I focus on photography. Stay Safe!